Seniors Swing Into Spring
Softball League Continues To Attract Players 55+
Share
Tweet
Madison-area men over 55 have banded together for the past seven years to take part in the Greater Madison Senior Softball League (GMSSL), sponsored by Smart Motors. Starting May 3rd, games run throughout the summer, taking place every Wednesday and Thursday at Middleton’s Bowling Green Recreation Center.
Last year, some 200 senior men took to the ball diamond in a league where the average age was 67-years-old, and even more are expected for the 2017 season as outreach to surrounding communities has increased. And although it’s intended to be fun and recreational, it’s still a competitive league with a final championship.
Steve Siegler, one of the commissioners of the league, says each year the league represents more of the “greater Madison” region.
“It probably shouldn’t be surprising how many senior athletes are out there, considering the Madison area is known for promoting a healthy lifestyle,” Siegler says. “But every year we’re a little amazed by the distances some of these guys will travel to play ball once or twice a week.”
To help accommodate the increased number of registered players from around the area, organizers have added a weekly double-header on Thursdays. The GMSSL opted to include these scheduled games because the Wednesday league was rained out seven times last year and there were no backup dates. They also wanted to further appeal to all those who desired to play. So now there is one game on Wednesday for anyone over 55. On Thursday the first game is for anyone over 65 and the second is again for players 55+.
The 65+ game was introduced last year for men who wanted to participate but felt they wanted just a little less competitiveness. Players over 65 can play in either or both leagues if they choose.
For the 2017 season, there are 22 teams playing across four leagues and playing across two days, Wednesday and Thursday, and registration for additional teams/individual players is being accepted via the leagues official website at http://www.greatermadisonseniorsoftball.com. There’s always room for more players, regardless of physical limitations.
Siegler says the every year he is inspired by the growing roster of players who have had their fair share of battles with various physical ailments. But, he adds, the guys play ball like they’ve never had a medical condition in their lives.
“These guys have battled cancer and heart attacks, diabetes, knee and hip replacements, and other health issues,” he says. “To most people, after events like that, they might hang it up. Not in the GMSSL. The love of the game drives them and they are impressive.”
However, anyone who has ever taken a turn at bat or thrown a ball across the infield knows softball, like baseball, has its physical challenges. League organizers are aware of this, so they made modifications to keep game play both competitive and safe. They use a special softball that’s actually soft called “The Clincher.” This modified softball that makes it more difficult to hit long drives and keeps the action contained inside the park. Also, base runners are allowed to overrun second and third base, and have a commitment line 20-feet from home plate.
The Greater Madison Senior Softball League was started in 2010 by childhood friends, Ray Blum and Bob Ruhland. GMSSL is open to men 55 years and older. Registration for additional teams is now being accepted. Regular league games will take place every Wednesday and Thursday starting in May at Middleton’s Bowling Green Recreation Center, located at 7625 Lisa Lane. For more information, check out the leagues website at http://www.greatermadisonseniorsoftball.com.
